How to Keep Your Roof Intact for a Longer Period
The roof is the most integral part of your house, keeping you and your family away from bad weather conditions. In fact, if taken well cared of, it could add to its life and save some money on repairs, adding value to your home. Here are some effective ways to maintain and extend the life of your roof.
Regular Roof Inspections
One thing you can do along the lines of roofing maintenance is have your roof inspected regularly. Most pros will tell you a roof inspection should happen at least once every six months if it can be managed. You can imagine doing your inspections in spring and fall. You want to look for any sort of missing or broken shingles, loose flashing, and clean off debris. This way, minor problems can be identified well before they become major issues. In case you are not comfortable inspecting your roof yourself, or simply unsure about what to look for, then professional roofers can inspect it and go on to make recommendations for any repairs that may be required.
Moss and Algae Growth
Moss and algae growth on your roof is more than just an eyesore. Over time, these can retain moisture, leading to the deterioration of shingles and possible leaks. To resolve this, you can apply a type of roof cleaner that is specifically designed to kill off moss and algae. You can even stop future growth by installing zinc or copper strips at your roof’s ridge; rainwater that passes over these metals creates an environment that is hostile to moss development. Keeping your roof free from moss and algae will go a long way in ensuring it lasted longer and looked better.
Repair Damaged Shingles Without Delay
Damaged or missing shingles expose your roof to water damage that could lead to leaks and rotting. Repairing or replacing broken shingles can help stop further decaying. Whatever cracking, curling, or missing shingles you come across in your inspection should be dealt with as soon as possible.
Most small repairs of shingles can be done without calling a professional for help but mainly depends on the owner’s ability to get things fixed. In larger issues, however, professional assistance might become necessary. If left unattended, this kind of shingle damage will lead to more costly repairs and maybe a complete reroof.
Testing for Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation to the attic space is vital to the health of the roof system since heat and moisture accumulation in an inadequately ventilated attic space can cause roof underside rotting, buckling, warping of the shingles, and growth of mold. To give your roof a longer life, make sure that your attic is well-ventilated in order to provide the opportunity for air to circulate within the area. This will prevent heat building up during summer and will reduce the development of moisture in winter, which are two factors that could badly affect the lifespan of your roof.
Overhanging Branches
Trees add to the beauty of your house, but if their branches overhang above your roof, then this is a severe threat to your roof. Branches during storms can break off and hit the shingles or other parts of your roof. The small branches sometimes just scrape against the surface, but over time, it could be very aggressive. The trees create a shaded environment that is ideal for moss growth. Prune any branches over or near the roof, for example, and avoid having trees close enough to the structure that falling limbs can cause damage.
Scheduling Professional Maintenance
Even though homeowners can conduct routine inspections and minor repairs on their own, it is generally best if they schedule professional maintenance at least once a year. Professional Toronto roofers will find problems that one without training may overlook and give advice on how to take care of the roof. Professional maintenance will mean that any underlying problem will be dealt with before it becomes expensive to repair. Regular maintenance is also a superb way to extend the life expectancy of your roof and save many headaches and unnecessary costs later.
With proper roof maintenance, you will add years to its life and avoid costly repairs. These repair activities also include regular checks, gutter cleaning, moss growth treatment, broken shingle replacements, proper ventilation inside the house, and proper overhanging branches. This will protect your roof and keep it in very good condition. The time and effort put into maintaining your roof, combined with professional assistance if required, will not only keep your home safe but will add value over an extended period of time.
